How much do beetles cost?

Japanese rhinoceros beetles cost 300-1,000 yen, giant stag beetles 2,000-30,000 yen, and Hercules beetles 5,000-50,000+ yen depending on species and size.

Can beginners start keeping insects?

Japanese rhinoceros beetles and saw stag beetles are easy to keep and great for beginners. A basic container and beetle jelly from a 100-yen shop is all you need to start.

How long do beetles live?

Adult rhinoceros beetles live 2-3 months, saw stag beetles 3-6 months. Giant stag beetles can live 2-5 years as adults, offering years of enjoyment.

What are the benefits of raising larvae?

Larvae are cheaper than adults and you get to experience the thrill of eclosion. Raising large specimens using fungus bottles or substrate is rewarding and educational.

What should I check when buying insects?

Check that tarsi (feet) are intact, the insect is active, and there are no mites. Choose specimens with documented size and lineage information.

Insect Encyclopedia — 75 Species Directory

Encyclopedia of popular beetles and stag beetles with care guides, traits, and breeding methods.

Featured Insect

Mandibularis Stag Beetle Atlas Beetle Palawan Stag Beetle

All Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Exotic Large Stag beetle Africa Native Southeast Asia Golden Domestic Metallic Beautiful Small Rhinoceros beetle Entry-level Easy keeping Camouflage

Showing 4 of 75 species

Giant Water Bug

Lethocerus deyrollei

Advanced

Japan's largest aquatic insect at ~65mm. Captures prey with front legs, injecting digestive fluid. Classified as Vulnerable. Some breeders contribute to conservation through captive breeding.

Aquatic insectDomesticEndangered

Japanese Giant Stag Beetle

Dorcus hopei binodulosus

Intermediate

The king of Japanese stag beetles. Thick mandibles and jet-black body. Larvae grow large on fungus bottles. Long-lived at 2-3 years.

Most popularDomesticLong-lived

Japanese Jewel Beetle

Chrysochroa fulgidissima

Advanced

Japanese beetle with iridescent rainbow wings. Famous for ancient 'Tamamushi Shrine' decoration. Adults eat hackberry leaves. Declining in urban areas.

DomesticIridescentBeautiful

Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle

Allomyrina dichotoma

Beginner

A Japanese summer icon. Popular from kids to adults. Larvae grow in leaf compost, pupating into adults in about a month. Perfect starter beetle.

Beginner-friendlyDomesticSummer classic

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Insect FAQ

How much do beetles cost?: Japanese rhinoceros beetles cost 300-1,000 yen, giant stag beetles 2,000-30,000 yen, and Hercules beetles 5,000-50,000+ yen depending on species and size.
Can beginners start keeping insects?: Japanese rhinoceros beetles and saw stag beetles are easy to keep and great for beginners. A basic container and beetle jelly from a 100-yen shop is all you need to start.
How long do beetles live?: Adult rhinoceros beetles live 2-3 months, saw stag beetles 3-6 months. Giant stag beetles can live 2-5 years as adults, offering years of enjoyment.
What are the benefits of raising larvae?: Larvae are cheaper than adults and you get to experience the thrill of eclosion. Raising large specimens using fungus bottles or substrate is rewarding and educational.
What should I check when buying insects?: Check that tarsi (feet) are intact, the insect is active, and there are no mites. Choose specimens with documented size and lineage information.